Is your dog having bald patches or stinking skin?
Is your dog constantly rubbing or biting at an itch? Does it have bald patches or stinking skin? The dog’s skin is the largest organ of its body, and the skin and hair together are called a dog’s coat. Actually the coat is the mirror of a dog’s health, and it is true that you can often see by the condition of the coat if the dog is radiant with good health or is starting to have health issues.
If your dog’s coat is nice and shiny and no hair loss or bald patches are present, it is a good indication that your dog is healthy and is getting the right amount of nutrition from its food. On the other hand, if your dog’s hair is looking dull or a large amount of hair is being lost (more than the normal loss from a winter to summer coat), you should take action and get your dog’s health checked. Dog hair damage can give a dog owner a first indication that something is not quite right with their dog. Sudden hair loss or balding is sign of alopecia.
WHAT IS ALOPECIA
Alopecia is another word for hair loss and there are many different types of alopecia that can affect dogs. These types are classified by the location or cause of the hair loss.
Itching and inflammation of the skin may also accompany alopecia.1 Depending on the cause of the alopecia, there may be round, focal areas of hair loss, a moth-eaten appearance to the fur, or even symmetrical hair loss on either side of the body.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE ALOPECIA
If Hair loss is noted in a dog; your veterinarian will try to determine the cause of it. Skin scrapings for parasites, physical examination, blood tests, and skin cultures or biopsies may be recommended to discover the reason for the alopecia. Some forms of alopecia do not have specific tests but they are usually diagnosed after other reasons are ruled out.
TREATMENT OF HAIR LOSS RELATED TO PARASITES IN DOGS
Treatment for the hair loss and elimination of the pest will depend on what parasite was diagnosed. Flea and tick infestation will be treated with medicated shampoo and the application of a preventative medication). Mites may be treated with medicated shampoo/dip and Ivermectin. Your house and yard will need to be treated for the parasites as well. Your dog’s bedding and cloth toys should be washed in hot water. Internal parasites are treated with deworming medication and in this case, the yard and house will also need to be cleaned and sprayed.
If there are other dogs and/or cats in the household, they too should be treated for the diagnosed parasite with guidance from your veterinarian. De-wormers and preventative flea and tick medication are different in dogs and cats. Dosage is weight applicable and in addition, using a canine medication and dosage on a cat can be fatal to a feline.
Dogs diagnosed with anaemia will need to have B12 injections. Patients that were malnourished will need dietary supplements and vitamins. The veterinarian may also prescribe a soothing antibiotic cream or ointment, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medication as further treatment. Dogs with a bacterial infection will be given oral antibiotics. Essential fatty acid, Vitamin D, and salmon oil can be beneficial to help with new hair growth.
RECOVERY OF HAIR LOSS RELATED TO PARASITES IN DOGS
Most dogs diagnosed and treated for parasites have a good recovery prognosis. Your dog’s hair may take weeks or months to grow back. If your companion has had extensive skin damage, hair growth may be limited. It is important to follow the treatment plan and to keep your pet on a flea and tick preventative. In the event of an internal parasitic infestation, your veterinarian may decide that your dog needs a second treatment in order to eradicate the pest. Follow up visits will be required to monitor the progress.
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